Teach and Learn

Doctrinal conversations are a central part of the CPCE's theological work, involving the joint drafting of texts for broad participation and eventual adoption by the General Assembly. They explore confessionality within a diverse church community, addressing confessional plurality, the reception of historical confessions, and how confessionality can be lived within a differentiated consensus.

The CPCE and its work are, to some extent, a barometer of ecclesial developments in Europe. It takes up the issues that are of current and existential importance in its member churches. A major cross-cutting theme today is the experienced change within both society and the churches. These respond to it in various ways. One possible response is the development of “Mixed Economy” projects that foster spiritual growth outside the traditional structures of the churches. But change also occurs among members, in leadership, in faith attitudes, and not least in financial matters. The key question is how all this current transformation can be not only described but also theologically grounded and oriented. A small group, led by Council member and Munich bishop Thomas Prieto Peral, is working on this question. Its task is to listen to reports of change in regional contexts and to ask what patterns of a Theology of Change can be identified behind them.

At its 2012 General Assembly in Florence, the CPCE summed up the common position of its member churches regarding ministry, ordination, and leadership responsibility in the document “Ministry, Ordination, and Episkopé.” Empirical descriptions and theological principles were brought together in this text. In recent years, however, many European regions have seen developments driven often less by theology than by social, financial, and personnel factors. The visible “tip of the iceberg” includes the introduction of new ministries and alternative paths to the ministry of proclamation, an increase in late-vocation candidates, broad discussions on diversity and identity, as well as new leadership tasks arising from structural reorganization.

All these changes are now to be examined in a consultation of experts in order to make the connection with the document more visible. Despite all the pragmatic challenges, the claim remains that the fundamental lines of Protestant theology must not be blurred. Church leaders will engage with the document in a later phase (2027).

Although most Protestant churches have ordained female pastors, the proportion of women in church leadership positions is too low. ‘Empowering Ordained Women’ is a multi-level initiative to promote women, including a networking meeting in spring 2027.

The CPCE wants to raise awareness for sexual abuse in its member churches. The General Assembly 2024 called for a “work process to share experiences with safeguarding measures to evaluate them and to promote good practice”.

Sexual abuse is always to be seen in its specific context of power and social circumstances. These contexts as well as legal frameworks differ in various European countries. The process aims to provide attentive and safe spaces for people in governing bodies and specific committees of churches in order to hear and learn from each other.

The Protestant Church is observing political developments and the shift away from democratic values with concern. It is developing interactive democracy materials for its member churches.

The Advisory Board on Ethical Issues began work on the topic ‘Being Church together in times of uncertainty’ in 2026. More details to follow in coming months.